Don:
I have found the original Jones surprisingly rugged. Whether the new version is as rugged remains to be seen, but it should last longer because of the new feature that allows the counter to be easily disconnected when not being used in a measurement. (The original version can probably be retrofitted with this feature.)
Electronic counters are just as accurate as the Jones, and the rim-reading feature used with them allows calibration to be done more accurately. I much prefer them because of their vastly superior readability, instant zeroing, and smaller number of digits required. Thus fewer readings and calculations are required, and error rate reduced.
The slightly derogatory word “trickery” is used with the Protégé counters (as little as $10 for the # 5 model), and was coined by someone who favors the Jones and would like their use discouraged. It simply means that they have to be programmed for a use not intended by the maker. Programming is no more difficult than that of any other cyclcomputer or TV recorder, but, surprisingly, it has proved a challenge for many measurers. Fortunately, I have found several suitable commercial counters ($40-100) that require no programming and can be used as is with “always-on” display. They are a little easier to use than the Proteges, but the downside is that some cannot be used over 25 mph. (This should not be a problem unless you are Lance Armstrong or go down a very steep hill without brakes. The Jones has a similar specification but it might be very conservative.)